4 low points of Tiger Woods’ life off the golf course

Tiger Woods hit a new low on Monday, and as I wrote earlier: I sincerely hope golf is there to help pick him out of this tragic ebb, just as I’d hope any other sport would help pick up a fallen legend of their game.

To help paint some context around the most recent Tiger news, below is a list of the lowest points of Tiger Woods’ life and career, many of which he has spoken about publicly in the years since.

Earl’s Death

Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, was in many ways the center point of his life. He was his first coach, his sports psychologist, and his idol. When he passed away in 2006, it rocked Tiger so severely that he briefly considered quitting golf. When he won the British Open later that year — his first major win following his father’s death — he poured out emotion, giving the world a glimpse into his ongoing struggle.

Infidelity Scandal

Tiger’s most high-profile fall from grace came in late 2009. A number of media outlets unveiled a wide-ranging infidelity scandal that led to a series of apologies, the break-up of his marriage, his entry into a rehabilitation clinic, the loss of a number lucrative endorsement deals, and a period away from the game.

Ongoing Injuries

It’s difficult to peg an exact starting point for this one because it’s still ongoing, but June 2008 is the date that jumps to mind. Tiger won the U.S. Open with a severely damaged left knee, and the subsequent surgery it required sidelined him for the rest of the year. Since 2013, it’s been Tiger’s back that has all but brought an end to his golf career, with each brief “comeback” hampered by increasingly longer spells away. Simply moving around pain-free has become the new goal for Tiger, he recently revealed.

DUI Arrest

His arrest on suspicion of a DUI in May of 2017 is, of course, the most recent low-point for the 14-time major winner. Further details of the incident are still unknown.